Patient Stories
“Everyone was so friendly.”
I knew it was coming… everyone on my dad’s side had hearing aids. I had no fears, just felt like it was one more thing to make me feel old, to be honest. My first impression was great—everyone was so friendly, from the receptionist on down.
They made me feel like family. I can tell a difference when I wear my hearing aids, but I still struggle sometimes with glasses, a hat, and, before, with a mask… my ears hurt at night. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I’d say everything you read says hearing is so important to keep you engaged emotionally and mentally, so I would advise, just go for it.
- Earlene B.
“Joshua was so empathetic and eager to help me. He is a really warm and kind guy.”
I was in a church class and could not hear most of the comments made by other members of the class. I was so frustrated and sad that I was missing out. I didn’t have any preconceived fears before contacting because I was eager for help. I had seen the difference hearing aids made for my mother when she couldn’t hear. My first impression was that Joshua was so empathetic and eager to help me. He is a really warm and kind guy.
Hearing aids have given me a new life and feeling of confidence in being around people. If I didn’t have hearing aids, I would be so isolated! I would avoid being around others completely. If you’re concerned about your hearing, go to see them!!! Now!!!
- Susan H.
“I think people see me as sharper and having a better sense of humor, but really, I just have better hearing again.”
I have known for years that I lost some hearing acuity due to military service. I also felt that my hearing may have gotten worse with age. My concern before contacting was whether amplifying sound with hearing aids would make my ears and hearing worse, creating a downward spiral of disability. My first impression was that they were nice people in a clean facility. My audiologist took time to address all of my questions and concerns during my initial consultation, and there was no pressure to “commit today.”
For years, I was concerned that wearing hearing aids would make others see me as aging and infirm. I now realize that people were making judgments about my intelligence because I was missing pieces of conversation. Some thought I was either too stupid to understand or that I was suffering from memory loss.
My hearing aids are fine-tuned to a prescription, so now I hear final consonants better, which means I understand more without having to ask for repeats. Jokes are not as funny if people have to repeat the punchlines, so now I am considered more witty and better able to share witty rejoinders in conversation. I think people see me as sharper and having a better sense of humor, but really, I just have better hearing again.
A professional recommendation or prescription is important, and having good people who care about the patient’s experience is crucial. This is a great place to find all of what you need.
- Brad V.
“Get tested, get the hearing aids.”
I realized something was up with my hearing many years ago. My wife and I had a misunderstanding because I didn’t hear what she said to me correctly. I didn’t have any fears before contacting, as I already had hearing aids from another company.
My first impression was very nice, upbeat, and made me feel confident. Hearing aids have made it possible for me to function near normal, as I can’t hear very well without them. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say get tested, get the hearing aids if recommended, and wear them!
- Kim H.
“I am able to sleep now!”
I developed tinnitus quite a while ago. I was having difficulty sleeping, and I was depressed. I didn’t think anything could be done. Dr. Luekenga’s receptionist came into where I work, and I asked her if there was anything I could do. I am so glad I did!
My concern before contacting was that nothing could be done to help. Dr. Luekenga and I grew up in the same small town. He made me feel like I was a friend first, patient second. Since getting hearing aids, I am able to sleep now! To anyone concerned about their hearing, I’d say get yourself checked.
- Lynn W.
“To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say, please get tested!”
I thought my husband was hard of hearing, but my test turned out worse than his! I had preconceived notions that hearing aids were for “old” people.
My first impression of Utah Ear Institute was that the staff was helpful, offered options, and was very reassuring. Since wearing hearing aids, I hear things I didn’t know I was missing!
To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say, please get tested!
- Nickie N.
“Utah Ear Institute is awesome!!!”
Having a hearing loss and trying to communicate can be a challenge. But when your loved one also has a hearing loss, daily communication becomes nearly impossible.
Roger knows this all too well. He says, “My wife is a special needs teacher at a local elementary school and during COVID-19, when masks were required, she could not hear those small voices, given the masks. Also, I’m retired but do some substitute teaching and experienced the same problem when I subbed. After having played the drums for about 60 years, my ears had taken a real ‘beating’ and as such, I couldn’t hear. My wife and I didn’t ‘talk’ with each other, we found ourselves ‘yelling’ to be heard. This was very difficult.”
Desperate to reconnect to the world around them—and each other–Roger and his wife made appointments with Utah Ear Institute. He says, “We needed help and we knew it.”
Roger and his wife soon felt at ease following their first appointments. He says they were impressed with the “incredible, caring people – from Claudia, the receptionist, to the doctors that we work with.”
The couple were prescribed hearing aids following their comprehensive hearing assessments, and this has given them a new lease on life. “Our hearing aids are wonderful,” says Roger. “It has helped us greatly! They’ve helped my wife and me at home, work, the Temple, and family time.”
Roger rates Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 and advises others, “Don’t hesitate or wait any longer. Utah Ear Institute is awesome!!!”
– Roger R.
“My life is so improved.”
Cherrill says there wasn’t just one moment that clued her in on her loss but rather “a series of them.” Aware that her hearing was declining, she knew she had to take action, even though she admits, “I really didn’t think hearing aids would work for me.”
Upon visiting Utah Ear Institute, she says she was impressed with “a very caring and patient doctor who answered all my questions and encouraged me to try them [hearing aids].”
Cherrill is happy she did. “My life is so improved, and I can hear most things again,” she explains. “Sometimes a whisper is difficult, but my grandchildren are now heard by me.”
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, she advises everyone, “Just go there and give it a try. Be patient with yourself and them while you find the right settings.”
– Cherrill D.
“Go now!”
Dennis noticed a change in his hearing around six years ago. Conversations were a struggle he says, as “I had trouble hearing what was said.”
The cost of hearing aids and “just having to wear hearing aids” were the two main issues Dennis struggled with prior to his appointment at Utah Ear Institute. However, soon his worries were forgotten. “They have a way to put you at ease,” says Dennis, recalling his first appointment.
Pleased with his new devices, Dennis says, “I can hear people talking, which makes me part of the discussion.”
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, he encourages others to follow in his footsteps, saying, “Just go and go now!”
– Dennis J.
“They really knew their hearing.”
When Glen began struggling to hear his wife, he decided to get to the root of the problem right away.
He recalls, “My wife was concerned that she always had to repeat statements to me. I was tested and the results were that I had a minor hearing loss and was borderline to needing hearing aids. I went to a seminar and learned that hearing was done by the brain and not the ears and that the longer we go without hearing certain sounds, we would lose the ability to hear them.
“At the time, my father was having trouble with his hearing aids. He kept complaining they didn’t work. He had waited too long to get the hearing aids. I decided that I would get them so that I wouldn’t lose the ability to hear certain sounds later in life. I’m glad I did.”
Prior to making an appointment with Utah Ear Institute, Glen admits he did wonder, “Would it be worth the cost?” However, he soon realized the importance of good hearing. “I was impressed that they really knew their hearing and weren’t there just to sell me a hearing aid,” says Glen.
These days, communicating with his wife is much easier. “My wife says I don’t say ‘What?’ nearly as much as I did before receiving hearing aids,” he acknowledges.
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, Glen encourages others who are struggling, “Do it. You are in good hands.”
– Glen M.
“We are totally satisfied.”
Judith wasn’t planning on getting hearing aids, but one day when she accompanied her husband to his appointment at Utah Ear Institute, her plans changed – and for the better.
She says, “Only occasionally did I feel I wasn’t hearing well, but since my husband was getting hearing aids, I was tested, too. I did have a mild hearing loss, but Dr. Josh said if I started wearing hearing aids now, it would help to prevent further loss.”
Judith took the news well, recalling, “I had no concerns because others in the family had had success wearing hearing aids. I just wanted ones that worked well for me.”
She also appreciated Utah Ear Institute’s trial period. “I was impressed that we were offered a trial period, and since I had never had hearing aids before, that seemed like a really good idea to me,” she says.
Judith’s new hearing aids, which are packed with various high-tech options, have enhanced her hearing greatly. “I do hear better generally, and I like the options for being able to turn them to restaurant mode, which shuts out noises behind me,” she notes. “We also use our mini-mike, which can go directly into the hearing aid, as does my cell phone, to which I can listen to books on Audible and other similar services.”
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, she says, “We are totally satisfied with the service we have gotten, with regular, no cost follow-ups when necessary, and the aids are very high quality.”
– Judith P.
“I can understand better.”
Kim was already a hearing aid wearer prior to visiting Utah Ear Institute, but hearing was still proving difficult.
Fortunately, at Kim’s first appointment, everything went well and all hearing issues were resolved. “Dr. Josh is very nice, fun, and outgoing,” says Kim.
The new devices have been a great success. “I can understand better. Best of all, I can adjust them myself for different situations,” Kim explains.
Rating Utah Ear Institute a 10/10, Kim advises others, “Go and see them. They are knowledgeable and very nice. Hearing aids cost less than I thought.”
– Kim H.
“You won’t regret going.”
One day, Alicia’s hearing was normal. The next, it was changed forever.
She explains, “It was immediately after a car accident and I was told it would probably come back, but it didn’t. I thought I was doing something wrong or being dramatic. I didn’t want to be seen as a victim.”
Recalling her first impressions of Utah Ear Institute, Alicia says, “Everyone was so nice and friendly. I was treated like a friend and not a patient. Luke was very nice and friendly.”
Alicia’s hearing was comprehensively tested and she was fitted with hearing aids. The result?
“I can hear my kids talking to me and not have to say ‘What?’ every other sentence,” says Alicia. “It is life changing to hear things clearly, especially when your kids are wanting to talk to you but would get annoyed when I couldn’t understand what they were saying and they would give up talking to me.”
She hopes others will pursue hearing care at Utah Ear Institute. “You won’t regret going and getting everything checked out,” Alicia says, rating them a 10/10.
– Alicia F.
“Give them a try.”
Steve’s hearing loss was making daily life difficult. He noticed he was “not able to hear people” very well.
Prior to visiting Utah Ear Institute, Steve says he was worried about the cost of hearing aids the most. Nevertheless, he went ahead with his appointment and he’s so glad he did.
Describing his appointment as “amazing,” Steve had his hearing comprehensively tested before being fit with hearing aids. His devices were recommended according to his unique hearing needs and lifestyle.
Now, Steve finds communicating much easier and says he can “hear my wife” clearly.
Rating Utah Ear Institute a 10/10, Steve highly recommends them to others, saying, “Give them a try.”
– Steve H.
“Dr. Luekenga is the man!!”
I was always saying “what?” when people would talk to me. My kids finally convinced me that I was having trouble hearing. I had no real worries or fears, I just didn’t want to wear hearing aids and admit I was having problems. My first impression was that I felt totally at ease. Their office is cool, especially if you love golf.
Now, I can adjust my aids so that I can hear all I need to hear, and I can also adjust them so I don’t hear what I don’t want to hear. They are hardly visible and not uncomfortable at all. To anyone concerned about their hearing, you will be so glad you did, and Dr. Luekenga is the man!!
- Alby J.
“Hearing aids have made me feel like a real person again!”
I couldn’t hear or understand my husband when he would talk to me! He wore hearing aids, and I just thought that he had them turned up and was talking very low. I didn’t have any fears before contacting; I was excited thinking I would finally be able to hear again.
My first impression was that I felt very comfortable in the office! Hearing aids have made me feel like a real person again! I can take part in conversations once more.
I love Utah Ear Institute! I also have the world of confidence in Dr. Joshua Luekenga and his treatment.
To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say go for it! You will be glad you did.
- Ruby C.
“My first impression was that everyone was kind, caring, and professional.”
I was struggling to hear, especially in noisy environments with a lot of background noise. I had a constant ringing in my ears. I had to have the car radio or TV very loud to hear and understand clearly. My wife was always complaining. I was struggling, and I knew I needed help.
I was concerned about the cost and the ability of hearing aids to help me. Without my wife’s input, I would likely never have taken the final step to use hearing aids.
My first impression was that everyone was kind, caring, and professional. Since wearing hearing aids, the ringing in my ears has stopped, and I can hear. WOW! To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say take action, don’t wait.
- Roy W.
“I would strongly recommend they see Dr. Leukenga.”
I could hear OK (I thought), but I couldn’t understand the dialogue on my TV set. I didn’t really have any concerns before contacting, as my regular physician gave me a hearing test and, from the results, referred me to Dr. Leukenga.
My first impression was that using Dr. Leukenga’s recommended hearing aids, my hearing improved. Now, I hear better. I would strongly recommend they see Dr. Leukenga to anyone concerned about their hearing.
- Richard G.
“They made me feel at ease and answered any questions or worries I had.”
I realized something was up with my hearing when I was always saying “WHAT” or “say that again.” I felt like I was missing a lot and maybe not hearing important things I needed to know or just little things whispered to me by someone special.
My concern was that the hearing aid would look or feel weird or funny, and I wondered if I would be able to deal with it. My first impression was that everyone was very kind and helpful. They made me feel at ease and answered any questions or worries I had.
They have continued to do that every single time I’ve been there, and that’s been quite a few years now. Hearing aids have helped me feel more confident, take part in conversations, and be able to listen better also. To someone concerned about their hearing, I would say DO NOT!! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Give it your best try.
- Linda W.
“They were very professional and friendly.”
I learned at age thirty that I had a hearing challenge. I thought I would not be able to keep working. A friend of mine told me about it, and I wondered about the cost. I found out my insurance would pay for almost all of it. My first impression was that they were very professional and friendly.
Hearing aids have allowed me to watch my church services at home on my computer with Zoom, and I play Mexican Train most evenings with my caregivers. I can hear quite well. If you’re concerned about your hearing, go there as soon as possible.
- Maxine S.
“They explained everything thoroughly without any pressure.”
I first realized something was up with my hearing when I had to ask my wife to repeat things a lot. I didn’t have any concerns before reaching out. My first impressions were great—they explained everything thoroughly without any pressure.
Since getting hearing aids, I don’t have to ask “what” as much, and I no longer need the TV volume as loud. If you’re concerned about your hearing, I’d say go for it.
- Jim S.
“Hearing aids have improved my general quality of life.”
I can’t remember the exact moment I realized something was up with my hearing, but it was several years ago. I had no preconceived fears or concerns before contacting. My first impression of Dr. Luekenga was that he was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, and the prices were quite reasonable. Hearing aids have improved my general quality of life, making conversations much clearer and easier to understand. If you’re concerned about your hearing, check them out for sure. I have recommended UEI to others.
- Marc J.
“Dr. Josh has been the most friendly and caring doctor I’ve ever dealt with.”
I first realized something was up with my hearing when it became difficult to hear my grandchildren. I had no worries because I’ve always viewed it as similar to wearing glasses, which I’ve done for decades.
My first impression was that it appeared to be a very professional business office. Hearing aids have made communication with others much easier, with far fewer situations where I’ve had to have people repeat themselves.
Dr. Josh has been the most friendly and caring doctor I’ve ever dealt with. He has an easy-going manner that makes it so comfortable to interact with him.
- Paul S.
“They will take great care of you.”
I’ve been having problems with my hearing for over 20 years. These are not my first set of hearing aids, and I really need the help they give me. The service at Utah Ear Institute has been awesome—they always get me in quickly and are so helpful. My first impression was that they were very thorough and friendly. Hearing aids have allowed me to participate in group conversations rather than sitting on the sidelines and just observing what’s going on. If you’re concerned about your hearing, they will take great care of you.
- Sharon S.
“Don’t hesitate.”
Brad’s hearing loss was making his life difficult. He says he “couldn’t function around others.”
Wanting to get his life back, Brad visited Utah Ear Institute to see if they could help. During his appointment, he had the chance to explain how his hearing loss was affecting him before a short series of tests to determine his hearing ability. Based on the results, Brad was prescribed hearing aids.
Pleased with his new devices and the improvement in his hearing, Brad rates Utah Ear Institute a 10/10. To anyone considering an appointment, he says, “Don’t hesitate.”
– Brad
“Nice and friendly.”
Alby was struggling to hear, asking others to repeat themselves constantly.
“I felt like everyone was mumbling when talking to me,” she says. “Finally, my children told me to go have my ears checked. I knew there was nothing wrong with my hearing, it was all them!”
Determined to prove them wrong, Alby made an appointment with Utah Ear Institute. However, the results surprised her. “Low and behold, I was having struggles. After several tests, I was fitted with hearing aids,” says Alby.
Recalling her first impressions of the office, she says, “I remember thinking Dr. Luekenga was very handsome and kind at the same time. Everyone there was nice and friendly.”
As for Alby’s new hearing aids, they have improved her life significantly. “At first, I would only wear them occasionally, but now I wear them all the time,” she says. “I am able to communicate with others without saying ‘What?’ all the time. I can understand movies, speakers, my family and not feel left out of their conversations.”
Alby gives Utah Hearing Institute a 10/10 rating and advises others, “It doesn’t hurt to find out if you could be helped and feel better about your relationship with others.”
– Alby J.
“I can hear much better.”
Dennis’s hearing loss was gradual over time – so gradual that he can’t recall a specific moment he realized the change. “I don’t remember,” he says, “but the older I got, the harder it was to hear, especially with my grandkids.”
Prior to booking an appointment with Utah Ear Institute, Dennis didn’t have any concerns, but he just hoped “they could help.”
The team didn’t let him down. “My first visit was at West Valley. Great experience,” he says. At his appointment, Dennis had his hearing comprehensively tested and had the opportunity to talk about his challenges and lifestyle. His devices were prescribed based on his unique requirements.
The results have been amazing! Dennis says, “Hearing aids have been a real help. Glad I have them. Made it much better, now I can hear much better. My wife doesn’t complain as much.”
Dennis rates Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 and shares, “In my opinion, if you have any questions about them [hearing aids], I can say it’s much better than before. Now I can hear. Thanks to all the staff at Utah Ear Institute.”
– Dennis B.
“I would highly recommend.”
The subject of hearing aids wasn’t something that Anonymous paid much attention to. But when they began to experience hearing challenges, suddenly finding out more about the technology became top priority.
Anonymous recalls, “I remember the first time I realized I had a hearing challenge. I felt horrible, I didn’t know what to do to correct it. I had a false understanding of how hearing devices could help me and the benefits that sort of technology could do to help my hearing loss.”
When making an appointment with Utah Ear Institute, Anonymous says, “Doing the right thing to correct it [hearing loss] was what concerned me the most. Finding someone I could trust to help me find a solution.”
Fortunately, Utah Ear Institute had the answers Anonymous was looking for. “I was impressed with the strong knowledge, confidence, and precision of the audiologist in hearing loss and his desire to help those with hearing loss,” says Anonymous.
Pleased with their hearing care and new devices, Anonymous says, “I would highly recommend the Utah Ear Institute. The Utah Ear Institute is equipped to helping those with hearing loss to hear.”
Anonymous gives them a 10/10 rating.
– Anonymous
“The end result is very rewarding.”
Dorothy’s hearing loss was making many aspects of her daily life very difficult.
She recalls, “I was having trouble hearing the TV. No matter how high I turned it on, I still couldn’t understand all that was being said. I love music, but it started sounding like just unfinished notes. The other thing that happened, when talking on the phone, it sounded like the words were cutting in and out. I thought the other person’s phone was cutting out.”
Dorothy knew she needed help, but she did have some reservations based on her mother’s experience with hearing aids. “My mother had hearing aids and she had to reach in her ear to adjust the loudness. She wouldn’t wear them half the time,” says Dorothy.
Nevertheless, she continued on her quest for better hearing. Recalling her first appointment at Utah Ear Institute, Dorothy says, “Everyone was very friendly and willing to answer my questions.”
Following her comprehensive hearing test, Dorothy was recommended hearing aids based on her hearing and lifestyle needs. Her new devices have reconnected her to everything she enjoys.
She says, “After getting my hearing aids, I could enjoy music, watch TV, and use the phone without any problems! The new technology is great. If I want to adjust the sound, I just reach behind my ear and push a button. I don’t have to be embarrassed asking, ‘Would you repeat that?’ or saying, ‘Speak louder.’”
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, she highly recommends them to others. “Don’t hesitate to be tested!” she advises. “The test doesn’t hurt. The end result is very rewarding.”
– Dorothy W.
“They’re the best.”
Working in the airline industry for more than 20 years took its toll on Jim’s hearing. Conversations were proving challenging and frustrating because he often had to ask others to repeat themselves.
Jim turned to Utah Ear Institute for help and soon found himself in good hands. “John and his staff are very dedicated and had my well-being in mind,” he says.
Following a comprehensive hearing assessment, Jim was fit with hearing aids. He says they have improved his life “tremendously.” Conversations are now much less stressful. “I no longer have to say ‘WHAT?’” says Jim.
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating, he encourages others to make an appointment. “They’re the best,” he says.
– Jim Z.
“Just wonderful.”
David says he noticed a decline in his hearing 18 years ago.
Recalling his initial appointment with Utah Ear Institute, he says it was “positive.” He adds, “Utah Ear and Josh H. are just wonderful.”
David keeps his hearing health and devices up to date with regular appointments. He gives Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating.
– David T., age 88
“Utah Ear Institute is taking very good care of me.”
Sharon came to Utah Ear Institute as a seasoned hearing aid wearer.
She says, “I have had hearing problems for more than 20 years; this is not my first set of hearing aids. They make all of the difference in my life.
Without them, I miss out on most everything going on around me. I couldn’t participate in many conversations going on around me. I often responded to questions with the wrong answer because I had misheard the question. I am now able to talk with my grandchildren, and that was really difficult before. I enjoy life much more when I can hear what is going on around me.”
Upon her first appointment at Utah Ear Institute, Sharon recalls, “My first impression was that everything was handled professionally.” Following a comprehensive hearing assessment, Sharon was fit with new hearing aids.
“They have allowed me to enjoy being around other people,” she says, referring to her latest devices.
Sharon gives Utah Ear Institute a 10/10 rating and advises others, “If you are having problems hearing conversations, it’s time to get some help. Utah Ear Institute is taking very good care of me.”
– Sharon S.
“Very professional.”
Karin decided to invest in hearing aids because she didn’t want to miss out on communicating with others. She says, “I was sitting in church and the adorable little girl in front of me was whispering something to me that I couldn’t hear. I decided that I wanted to be able to hear her and that the way to do that was to get hearing aids.”
Karin soon made an appointment with Utah Ear Institute, despite having some concerns about the cost. “I am always concerned about the cost of things and hearing aids was no different,” she says. “But this was something I wanted to do for myself. And I felt good about investing the money. I have several friends who had gone to Dr. Luekenga, and so I already trusted him.”
Thinking back to her first appointment, she recalls “his offices are very professional.” Karin was fit with hearing aids and found herself amazed with the technology.
“I thought that they would just make things louder, but they do so much more – both good and bad,” she says. “But with my ReSound program, I feel like I am in control.”
Giving Utah Ear Institute an 8/10 rating, she advises potential patients, “Treat the purchase of hearing aids as you would any investment. Study and try before you buy. Then once you have made the investment, make the commitment to continue to use them and learn how they can be customized for you personally.”
– Karin J.
“I am much more comfortable in social situations.”
Peter says he became aware of his hearing loss when “I realized that I wasn’t hearing all the conversations around me.” Not wanting to miss out anymore, Peter decided to seek help from Utah Ear Institute.
Recalling his first appointment, Peter says, “I felt that Dr. Josh was really interested in my problem and that he was very professional and competent.” At his appointment, Peter’s hearing was comprehensively tested, and then he was prescribed with hearing aids.
Now, he says, “I am much more comfortable in social situations.”
When asked if he would recommend Utah Ear Institute to others, he says, “I unconditionally recommend it.” Peter gives them a 10/10 rating.
– Peter P.
“Life is so much better when you can hear.”
Reflecting on the moment she first noticed her hearing was struggling, Patricia says, “I was about 50 years old when I realized that I was missing so much of what was taking place around me. I decided that I needed to do something about it.”
As hearing problems run in Patricia’s family, she didn’t have any major concerns prior to her appointment at Utah Ear Institute, and as it turns out, her visit was a positive experience. Patricia says, “The people were so friendly and helpful at the office.”
The hearing devices she was prescribed have helped her tremendously. “I can function much better since my visit to them,” Patricia notes.
Giving Utah Ear Institute a 9/10 rating, she advises others in a similar situation, “Go and have it taken care of. Life is so much better when you can hear.”
– Patricia B.